Mackinac Island School Seeks Interim Superintendent

The Mackinac Island school board is interviewing four candidates and hopes to appoint an interim superintendent at its next meeting, Thursday, September 24, at 6 p.m. in the school library. The board also is expected to consider hiring former superintendent Jack Dehring in a separate part-time position. Mr. Dehring, who retired from the post in 2006, would assist the school in its compliance with state requirements and help with the interim transition.

During an ad hoc committee meeting Friday evening, September 18, committee members agreed to interview Michael Booz of Mackinaw City, Tonya Perry of Roscommon, Tina Green of Lowell, and Richard Smith of Kincheloe.

The board received 21 applications.

In a hastily called special meeting Monday, September 7, the board said it will hire an interim superintendent to serve through June, the end of the current school year. During the meeting, the board followed recommendations of an ad hoc committee specifically appointed to lay out a plan to fill the school's top position.

Serving on the committee are trustees Kelly Bean and Leanne Brodeur, and board president Ben Mosley, who did not attend Monday's board meeting.

The interim superintendent will serve from September 25 through June.

The position became open when the board announced last month Roger Schrock would be leaving the post. His last day as superintendent was Saturday, September 12, although he is being paid to serve as an off-site consultant until March 13.

Applications for superintendent were accepted until Tuesday, September 15. Interviews were conducted by the ad hoc committee and began Wednesday, September 16, and continued through Tuesday, September 22. Such interviews were open to the public, by law.

In January, the board is expected to begin seeking a full-time superintendent with interviews tentatively planned for March. The full board will conduct the interviews. A candidate recommendation is expected to be voted on by the board in April.

Until the interim post is filled, teacher Karen Allen is acting as principal and teacher Susan Bennett is academic counselor.